August 30: Am I Convinced by Christ?

I started to post this morning, but the electricity cut off after I had just typed a few words. I didn't even try to get back on, using the excuse that it would be bad for the computer. The truth is that I was glad for a reason not to have to address this lesson because it makes me feel so bad. Countless memories come to mind of when I have become spiritually prideful after God has used me so that I would become worthless to Him until He could use some other circumstance to humble me again. Yes, I am learning not to "rejoice in successful service," but the process has been painfully slow.

The good news is that I gained a great insight today that might help me in this process. As I was reading this morning, a passage from II Corinthians 11:16-12:18 came to mind. Paul found himself in a position where he needed to prove himself to his readers, and I was always confused as to why he repeatedly apologized for making his assertions. Today, it occured to me that he realized that by reciting his long list of spiritual accomplishments which he knew far bested anyone else of the time, he was in grave danger of drowning in spiritual pride. Although he knew it was necessary to write this information, in verse 23 he says, "I am out of my mind to talk like this!"

Jesus, help us learn from Paul and make a concentrated effort to quickly file away any successes we may witness as we join You in Your work under the file TO THE GLORY OF GOD. Then, let us intentionally conduct a personal inventory of how far we need to go before we meet the goal of being like Christ. Let us focus on doing the maintenance work of cleaning out the channels that allow You to "pour rivers of living water through us," so there will be no obstructions that block out Your presence.